Centrifugal Micro-Fluidic Device for Immunoassay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disc-type micro-fluidic devices used in clinical laboratories for immunoassays are complex and time-consuming, requiring significant procedural complexity and duration for testing.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal micro-fluidic device with a structured layout including a sample chamber, separation chamber, reaction chambers, buffer chamber, waste chamber, washer chamber, and detection chamber, utilizing fluorescent nanoparticles and a labeling conjugate for analyte detection, which simplifies the process through centrifugal force and reduces the need for multiple washing and buffer steps, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional disc-type micro-fluidic devices are used for immunoassays, then the device can perform analyte detection, but the experimental procedures become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional chambers (sample chamber, separation chamber, reaction chambers, buffer chamber, waste chamber, washer chamber, detection chamber) into a single integrated disc-type micro-fluidic device. This merging of functions into one device structure simplifies the overall system while maintaining detection accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the immunoassay process into distinct sequential steps through separate chambers: sample loading, centrifugal separation, labeling conjugate reaction, capture binder reaction, washing, buffering, and detection. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently while reducing procedural complexity through automated sequential execution, addressing both measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional disc-type micro-fluidic devices are used for immunoassays, then the device can perform analyte detection, but the testing time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous centrifugal flow through interconnected chambers, where fluids move sequentially from sample chamber through separation, reaction, washing, and detection chambers without interruption. This continuous action eliminates idle time between steps and maintains constant progress through the assay, significantly reducing total testing time while preserving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary separation of the sample into supernatant and precipitate through centrifugal separation before the main detection reaction. This preliminary action removes interfering substances in advance, allowing the subsequent detection steps to proceed faster and more efficiently, thereby reducing overall testing time while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple washing and buffer steps are performed, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washing and buffering functions into integrated steps within the micro-fluidic device structure. The washer chamber and buffer chamber are sequentially connected, allowing washing and buffering to be performed as part of the continuous flow process rather than separate manual steps. This integration maintains detection accuracy while improving testing efficiency by reducing the number of discrete operations required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device allows for rapid and accurate detection of multiple analytes with improved sensitivity and simplicity, using time-resolved fluorescence measurement with lanthanide (III) chelate-containing nanoparticles, enhancing the accuracy and applicability in clinical environments.
Implementation Method 1
a separation chamber connected to the sample chamber for centrifugation of the fluid sample for separation of a supernatant containing an analyte from the fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
using fluorescent nanoparticles, as well as an immunoassay method using the same... using time-resolved fluorescence measurement with lanthanide (III) chelate-containing nanoparticles
Data Source
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AI summary
A centrifugal micro-fluidic device and an immunoassay method using the same are provided. The micro-fluidic device includes at least one micro-fluidic structure, the micro-fluidic structure including: a sample chamber receiving a fluid sample; a first reaction chamber which is connected with the sample chamber and contains at least one labeling conjugate; a second reaction chamber which is connected with the first reaction chamber and contains a capture binder; a buffer chamber which is connected with the second reaction chamber and contains an elution buffer; a detection chamber which is connected with the second reaction chamber and receives the at least one labeling conjugate; a plurality of channels through which the first reaction chamber, second reaction chamber, buffer chamber and detection chamber are interconnected; and at least one valve which is positioned in at least one of the plurality of channels, and opens and closes the channel